The 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup concluded on February 2, 2025, in Malaysia, with the Indian women’s team clinching their second consecutive title by defeating South Africa by 9 wickets in the final. The tournament featured 16 teams and was held across four venues in Malaysia: Bayuemas Oval in Selangor, Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval) in Johor, Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak, and UKM YSD Oval in Selangor.
India was placed in Group A alongside West Indies, Sri Lanka, and hosts Malaysia. They advanced through the group stage and Super Six phase to reach the final. In the championship match, India’s bowlers restricted South Africa to 82 runs in 20 overs. Chasing the target, India achieved victory in 11.2 overs, losing just one wicket. Gongadi Trisha was named Player of the Series for her outstanding performance, amassing 309 runs throughout the tournament. Vaishnavi Sharma emerged as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 17 wickets.
This victory underscores the strength of India’s under-19 women’s cricket program and highlights the promising talent poised to contribute to the senior team in the future. The 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, held from January 18 to February 2, 2025, in Malaysia, marked the second edition of this prestigious tournament. India emerged as champions for the second consecutive time, defeating South Africa by 9 wickets in the final.
Tournament Structure and Venues
The competition featured 16 teams divided into four groups of four. The top three teams from each group advanced to the Super Six stage, leading to the semi-finals and culminating in the final. Matches were hosted across four venues in Malaysia:
- Bayuemas Oval in Selangor
- Johor Cricket Academy Oval in Johor
- YSD-UKM Cricket Oval in Bangi
- Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak
Group Stage Performance
India was placed in Group A alongside West Indies, Sri Lanka, and hosts Malaysia. They dominated the group stage, winning all their matches to top the group.
Super Six Stage
Carrying forward their impeccable form, India continued their winning streak in the Super Six stage, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
Knockout Stage
In the semi-final, India faced a formidable opponent but showcased superior skills to advance to the final. The final, held at Bayuemas Oval on February 2, saw India restrict South Africa to a modest total of 82 runs in 20 overs. India chased down the target in just 11.2 overs, losing only one wicket.
Key Performers
- Gongadi Trisha: She was the standout player of the tournament, amassing 309 runs and earning the Player of the Series award.
- Vaishnavi Sharma: Emerging as the leading wicket-taker, she claimed 17 wickets, playing a pivotal role in India’s bowling attack.
Notable Highlights
- Nigeria’s Debut Victory: Participating in their first Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, Nigeria achieved a surprising win over New Zealand in the group stage, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey.
Final Standings
- India – Champions
- South Africa – Runners-up
- England – Third place
- Australia
More about Women’s world cup
The ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup is a biennial international cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for national women’s under-19 teams. The inaugural tournament was held in January 2023 in South Africa, where India clinched the title by defeating England in the final.
Initially scheduled for January 2021, the inaugural tournament faced multiple postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was eventually held in January 2023 in South Africa. The second edition took place in January-February 2025 in Malaysia, with India securing their second consecutive title by defeating South Africa in the final.
Tournament Format
The tournament features 16 teams divided into four groups of four. The top three teams from each group advance to the Super Six stage, leading to the semi-finals and the final. This structure ensures a competitive environment, allowing emerging cricket nations to compete alongside established teams.
Significance and Impact
The Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup serves as a crucial platform for young female cricketers to showcase their talents on an international stage. It plays a vital role in the development of women’s cricket by providing exposure and experience to emerging players, many of whom progress to represent their national senior teams. The tournament also highlights the global growth of women’s cricket, with participation from a diverse range of countries.
Venue
Malaysia’s selection as the host for the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup underscores its growing prominence in the international cricket arena. The tournament, held from January 18 to February 2, 2025, featured 16 teams competing in 41 matches across four venues in Malaysia.
The matches were hosted at the following venues:
- Bayuemas Oval: Located in Selangor, this venue is known for its well-maintained pitches and facilities, making it a preferred choice for international fixtures.
- UKM YSD Oval: Situated within the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Bangi, Selangor, this ground has been pivotal in promoting cricket at the grassroots and university levels.
- Johor Cricket Academy (JCA) Oval: Based in Johor, this venue is equipped with modern amenities and has been instrumental in nurturing young cricketing talent in the region.
- Borneo Cricket Ground: Located in Sarawak, this ground has contributed to the expansion of cricket’s footprint in East Malaysia.
Significance of Hosting
Hosting the tournament provided Malaysia with an opportunity to showcase its capability in organizing international sporting events. The country’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, combined with its infrastructure and hospitality, made it an ideal venue for the World Cup.
The successful execution of the tournament not only highlighted Malaysia’s readiness to host future international cricket events but also played a crucial role in promoting and developing women’s cricket within the nation and the broader region.
